Saturday, 6 September 2014

O'Batignolles, Wine Bar & Bistrot, Singapore

O'Batignolles, Wine Bar & Bistrot, Singapore

O Batignolles Wine Bar and French Bistrot

Comforting and unpretentious, this quintessential Parisian
style bistro is an inviting locale at any time of day. Stopping in for a hearty
meal, or just for a drink rewards guests with a little piece of France just off
the popular Club St. in Singapore.

Outdoor Seating

The corner lot’s walls are opened during business hours and
tables set on the patio, mimicking the dreamy French habit of eating on the
sidewalk and taking pleasure in a spot of crowd watching. Inside dark wood and claret-red
upholstery contrast white walls, while drop-down silver lamps and ceiling fans
hang from above. Adornment is sufficient in the form of shelves of wine and
blackboards with daily specials chalked on them.

Bar and Chalkboard Menu

As we enter, the nasal sing-song of French language greets
us. It’s not from the staff. There are a number of tables of French speakers
here. We take it as testimony to the authenticity of this little bistro.

The wine list is impressive, with an extensive selection
available by glass and many of them exclusively found at O Batignolles (it
helps when one of the owners is a wine importer). We’re here for the special
weekend Champagne brunch menu and so have a flute of Yveline Prat Brut Tradition
in our hands within minutes of arrival. Light floral and green apple aromas
tickle my nose. It tastes clean with a light fruitiness in the middle and a
hint of honey at the end - lovely. With prices starting from $41 SGD for a
bottle of wine, we’d happily fill an afternoon here immersing ourselves in their
cellar collection or continuing with the free flow Champagne deal.

Yveline Prat Brut Tradition

On the a la carte menu we find simple classics including
Croque Monsieur and cheese platters for starters, and more complex cuisine such
as Duck Parmentier as mains. Of course there are desserts too, and living up to
their stereotypical rich reputation, they are ideal for sharing.

As mentioned earlier however, we’re here for the Brunch
Menu. Available only on weekends between 11am and 4pm it is a steal for
Singaporean standards! Twenty nine dollars buys you a free flow of croissants,
choice of hot beverage (coffee or tea), fresh orange juice, choice of breads
and eggs. Top up the payment to $89 and receive a free flow of Champagne!
Truly, that has to be one of the best value deals in the city.

If you prefer to order a la carte, a wonderful range of
brunchy style dishes await such as French Toast, Tartine Rustique, Cheese and
Cold Cuts Platters, Salade “Le Parisienne” and even a kids menu. Ranging
between $9 and $29, the items on the a la carte menu continue to be
surprisingly well priced. What’s more, bubbles can be added on for $10 a glass
or $55 a bottle.

Brunch Set

When we break apart the first of a free flow of Croissants,
hubby murmurs, “Mmm, this is a real croissant.” Flaky, light and buttery
there’s no need for the petite pot of Bonne Maman Strawberry Preserve that
comes along with it in the basket.

Croissant

Four choices of Gryphon Tea (a Singaporean brand of
specially chosen gourmet leaves) are available. I go with the green Pearl of
the Orient and find it less bitter than many other green teas, with lovely
floral notes that linger in the mouth for minutes after sipping. Coffee too is an
option and the orange juice is fresh - a good complement for the brunch.

Free Flow Croissants, Gryphon Tea, Champagne and Orange Juice

French Toast with berry coulis is four slices of good
quality bread toasted until golden brown. A jumble of mixed berries brightens
the top, and thick gorgeous maple syrup and a blob of whipped cream make
friendly accompaniments.

French Toast

Eggs Benedict with Swiss Coppa are served on an English
muffin and shaved prosciutto, and doused with a homemade Hollandaise sauce. A salad
of crisp romaine lettuce leaves and halved cherry tomatoes embellish the side.
The muffin is European in style - something to bite into and a sturdy base for soaking
up the soft runny egg and tangy sauce.

Eggs Benedict

Eggs Cocotte with bacon and cream are individually baked in
a small ramekin and arrive with toasted triangles of white bread as chaperones.
Salt, pepper and a sprinkling of chives flavour the top. It looks small, but is
surprisingly filling. Made even richer with the bacon and cream, the intensity
of the dish means that one petite bowl is just the right amount.

Eggs Cocotte

A la Carte Menu

The dishes have been fab so far, so even though tummies are
filling, we can’t resist trying a couple of items from the a la carte menu. Croque
“Monsieur” ($16) is hubby’s idea of happiness.Fat slices of toasted bread, encasing thinly sliced ham, béchamel sauce
and Emmental cheese, is a generous portion served on a hot plate with extra
melted cheese and chopped chives adorning the top. The bread is buttery and decadent,
but the salad cuts through a little of the grease lightening the dish to a
perfect balance.

Croque Monsieur

Salade “La Batignolles” ($16) is too a large quota that
could easily be shared if ordering another dish. Rounds of goat’s cheese crown
sliced baguette which seems to have been soaked in honey. They’re shameless
stars of indulgence, and bacon, cherry tomatoes and lettuce tossed in Balsamic
vinegar dressing support their greatness.

Salade "O'Batignolles"

We leave O Batignolles Wine Bar and French Bistrot in fine
humour. Our appetites have been satiated and our pockets not too roughly
beaten. Our only regret is that we have to leave. For our next weekend away to
Singapore, we make plans to visit on a Saturday, so we can spend the whole
afternoon relishing in the fun this friendly bistro has to offer.

Reasons to visit:
good value and exclusive wine list; great deal on the weekend brunch.